Abdul Rahim Khankhana

I am not the giver
The Giver is someone else,
giving day and night.
But the world gives me credit,
Thus, when I give
I cast down my eyes.

Rahim (1556 - 1627) lived during the reign of Akbar. He was one of the
nine Navratna's in the court of the Mongol emperor and was an excellent
poet and an astrologer. Two of his books on astrology - Khet Kautukam
and Dwawishd Yogavali - are still in use as references by astrologers today.
Though an Iranian Muslim, he was a great admirer of the Indian civilization
and acquired an excellent command of Sanskrit. He is best known for
his dohas, couplets in Hindi.

the writings of Rahim

Says Rahim, do not spurn the trivial
seeing the weighty
when you need a sewing needle
of what use a sword.
Says Rahim, do not snap
the thread of love
once broken, it's hard to unite
and even if you do, a knot is there.
Says Rahim, keep your sorrow
to your own heart
others will taunt you
none willing to share.
Says Rahim, a man with no knowledge
wisdom, religion and generosity
an animal without a tail or horns
futile is his birth in this world.
Says Rahim, I am not pleased
being offered ambrosia without respect
better to die with dignity
drinking poison.
Says Rahim, a dilemma indeed
when you speak the truth
worldly ties break, but
with lies you don't reach God.
The Body, a paper toy
turns into pulp in a trice
strange, so says Rahim
that it's filled with so much pride.
How will the weak ever live
fighting the strong?
Says Rahim, like being at war
with the crocodile while in water.
A tree does not eat its own fruits
no pond drinks its own water
a good man saves for others' needs
so says Rahim.
Blessed is the love the fish has for water
lifeless without it
says Rahim, a bumble bee is different
hopping flower to flower.
Blessed is the swamp
insects thrive on
says Rahim, so vast the sea
yet everyone comes away thirsty.
Says Rahim, my Lord's image is embedded in my eyes
there is place for none else
like a traveller turning away
from a full caravanserai.
Says Rahim, the sun rises with glowing rays
it sets with equal grace
so does a good man
living through ups and downs.